Instrument Quality

At various stages in musical and technical development, each player
comes to the realization that a new instrument or bow may be required in
order to make further advancement possible. Sometimes this decision is
made alone, particularly when players are experienced in the instrument
or bow search process. For the less experienced or younger players, this
need for change is determined by teachers, parents, colleagues or
friends.

Beginning Outfits (violin estimated cost $200-500)

Beginning players require an instrument that possesses pleasing tone,
balanced response, contrasts in dynamic range (volume) and forgiveness
of general response to help instill confidence in an inexperienced
player.

Beginning instruments are typically manufactured in a production
setting, where a good deal of the carving is done by machine to keep the
costs to a minimum and for consistency and predictability of tone. The
instrument set-up is the single most important stage of production,
where a skilled worker's careful attention to detail brings out the best
possible tone and playability. Be wary of any instrument that costs
less than $200. DO NOT purchase instruments from the internet
(especially if they cost less than $100).

Intermediate Outfits (violin estimated cost $500-1200)

Intermediate players require all of the attributes that beginning
players require, plus a broader range of tone colors and dynamics for
learning musical expression, faster response for the introduction of
off-string bowing techniques, and additional volume for ensemble
playing.

Instruments in this category, even of the same model, begin to exhibit
individual characteristics and can be adjusted to the player's
preferences. A string instrument sales person would be helpful in
assisting you in selecting the best model for your needs. It is also
possible to select an instrument without a qualified sales person, as
long as there is at least a week trial to take home the instrument. and
try it out.

Advancing Outfits (violin estimated cost $1200-$4000)

As a student concentrates on the development of agility, accuracy, and
breadth of expression, they will require an instrument that combines
full tone, even balance, and good projection. A certain amount of
"forgiveness" and ease of playing will provide confidence in controlling
a wider range of tone color and volume than they have experienced in
the past.

Instruments in this class are made in workshop settings, overseen by
master luthiers. Select tonewoods are used in these instruments, and
makers perform specific adjustments to enhance and optimize the tonal
qualities of each individual instrument as it is being made. As with an
intermediate instrument, a string instrument sales person will be
helpful to you in selecting the best model for your needs and a tryout
period should also be available. An appointment at a violin shop is
strongly reccommended for this type of purchase.

Fine & Rare Instruments (for the really serious student)

Advanced and professional players have a well developed sense of
expression that is characterized by highly evolved technical and
artistic abilities. These include a mature range of tone colors and bow
strokes, and an individual style that can be tailored according to style
of music, ensemble type and audience characteristics.

This classification of instruments is wide- ranging in value, but all
these players require an instrument that possess a full "palate" of
complex tone colors, even balance, and powerful projection. You will
need the help the help of an experienced string instrument
sales person to help you select an instrument which combines the sound
and playing characteristics best suited to your personal tastes. Plan
ahead to schedule an appointment in a violin shop to make a purchase of
this type.